Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Name: Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter combined with gooey chocolate chips in these irresistible cookies. The perfect blend of chewy and crispy textures makes this treat a favorite for both casual snacking and special moments. Bake a batch to savor the warm, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen—all while delighting family and friends with every delicious bite!

Created by

Madeline Archer

Last updated on 2025-12-02T16:48:11.329Z

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are the epitome of comfort food. The brown butter gives them a uniquely rich flavor that elevates them beyond the typical chocolate chip cookie. Every bite is a delightful combination of crispy edges and chewy centers, making them perfect for any occasion.

Why Brown Butter?

Brown butter, or beurre noisette, is a game changer in baking. It’s created by cooking butter until the milk solids toast, resulting in a rich, nutty flavor that elevates any dish. When incorporated into cookies, it deepens the taste profile, adding a level of sophistication that’s hard to resist. Swapping out regular melted butter for brown butter means each bite bursts with flavor, making your chocolate chip cookies extraordinary.

This cooking technique is incredibly simple but yields life-changing results. The transformation of the butter occurs quickly, so it's essential to keep an eye on it as it can go from perfect to burnt within moments. The delightful aroma of toasted butter can fill your kitchen and set the stage for the delicious cookies to come, making the process just as enjoyable as the final product.

Texture Matters

The combination of chewy and crispy textures is what makes a cookie truly exceptional. The brown butter contributes to a lovely chewiness, while the sugars caramelize slightly during baking, creating a crispy edge. This results in a perfect balance that keeps you coming back for more. When you enjoy one of these cookies, you will appreciate that each bite offers a satisfying contrast that excites the palate.

To achieve this ideal texture, be sure not to overbake the cookies. The centers should look a bit undercooked when you pull them from the oven. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet due to residual heat, and allowing them to cool slightly will encourage that delicious, gooey center we all crave. Mastering this technique is key to elevating your cookie experience.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just a treat; they are a celebration of flavor that fits perfectly into any occasion. Whether for casual gatherings, holiday parties, or an afternoon pick-me-up, these cookies are sure to please everyone. Their comforting aroma and gooey centers allow them to stand out on any dessert table, making them a go-to recipe for many home bakers.

Moreover, they make for a thoughtful homemade gift. Wrapping a batch in a pretty box or tin creates a heartfelt present for friends and family. Who wouldn’t appreciate a delightful assortment of freshly baked cookies? They are also an excellent item for bake sales or potlucks. Sharing these delectable treats is a sure way to spread joy and deliciousness.

Ingredients

Cookie Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups chocolate chips

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.

Steps

Prepare the Brown Butter

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it begins to foam. Stir continuously until it turns a deep golden brown and has a nutty aroma.

Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Gradually incorporate the flour, baking soda, and salt, then fold in the chocolate chips.

Form the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop, drop dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked.

Cool & Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy your freshly baked cookies!

Store extras in an airtight container at room temperature.

Baking Tips

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and even slight deviations can alter the final product. Use a kitchen scale if possible for the best accuracy. Additionally, allow your butter to brown slowly and avoid burning it by stirring consistently and paying close attention to the color change.

Chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes can enhance the flavor and texture. By chilling, the dough sets slightly, which helps the cookies maintain their shape without spreading too much during baking. This method also allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a more intense taste.

Storage & Freshness

Storing your Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies properly will keep them fresh for longer. Allow the cookies to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week. However, if you want them to last even longer, consider freezing them—just be sure to layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking.

To enjoy the cookies at their best after freezing, let them thaw at room temperature. You can also pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth. This will ensure you experience that gooey chocolate goodness each time you reach for one.

Customization Ideas

These cookies are incredibly versatile, allowing for numerous customization options. You can easily swap out chocolate chips for your favorite mix-ins, such as nuts, dried fruits, or even toffee bits. This flexibility means you can cater to different tastes and preferences, making it easy to create a unique version every time you bake.

Adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking can further elevate the flavors, balancing the sweetness with a bit of savory goodness. Alternatively, experiment with different types of chocolate, like dark chocolate or white chocolate, to find the perfect combination that pleases your taste buds. The possibilities are endless and part of the joy of baking!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use margarine instead of butter?

It's best to use unsalted butter for flavor, but margarine can be used if needed.

→ How do I store the cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container for up to a week.